[Fixed] IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error on Windows 11

This article will tell you how to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Windows 11 PC.

Actually, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error. Usually, it is caused by a defective driver. In addition, incompatible or faulty hardware can also result in this error. But don’t worry, this article will tell you different ways to fix this problem. If the problem is caused by software, then the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is easy to fix. First, let’s take a closer look at the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.

What causes the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error?

This error is mainly related to memory. IRQL means “Interrupt Request Line,” and in Windows’ reminders, it represents an event that requires urgent attention. IRQL errors are usually because the device driver does not have the required permission or access to a memory address when requesting access to it.

NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL indicates that the driver attempted to access an address beyond or greater than the boundary value.

We have listed the causes of this error:

• Corrupted system files.
• Incompatible, faulty, or outdated drivers.
• Faulty or incompatible hardware.
• Corrupted or incomplete software installation.

After knowing the above reasons, let’s start to fix the problem.

Run memory diagnostics

Usually, the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error occurs when there is a problem with system memory, so you can first run memory diagnostics to see if the problem is caused by system memory.

Search for memory diagnostics in the start menu. In the search results, click to open Windows Memory Diagnostics.

Click the Restart now and check for problems option to restart your PC and run the diagnostics.

If the inspection reveals a problem, you will receive a comprehensive report after rebooting.

Use DISM and SFC scan to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Sometimes, there may be a problem with your computer’s core system files, such as corruption or corruption causing the problem. There are two steps to this method: First, run DISM to fix the problem with the system image. Then you will need to call the SFC command to fix the problem with the Windows file.

Start the command line tool as an administrator: Open the Start menu and click the “Windows Terminal (Admin)” option.

You will then see a UAC (User Account Control) window where you will need to enter your administrator account credentials. If you are already logged in as an administrator, just click the “Yes” button.

Click the chevron (down arrow) icon in the Windows Terminal options. Click the Command Prompt option.

Copy and paste the following command and press Enter.

DISM /Online Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Note: You need to be connected to the Internet as this command may download some files in the background.

After the DISM process completes, run an SFC scan to resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.

Copy and paste the following command and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

Restart the computer after the scan is complete to see if IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL has been resolved.

Update or roll back the driver

This can also cause IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error if you recently updated the driver or the driver is out of date. Then try rolling it back to the previous version to fix the problem.

Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager, from the search results, click and open Device Manager.

Find the component category for which you recently updated the driver and double-click to expand it, double-click the component to open its properties.

In the properties window, click the Driver tab. Then, click the Roll Back Driver button. If the button is grayed out, then you cannot roll back the driver.

If updating the driver, click the “Update Driver” button in the component’s properties window.

In the Update Drivers window, click Search automatically for drivers, and if the latest driver is already available on your computer, click Browse my computer for drivers to use File Explorer Browse documents.

Reset your PC to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Press the Windows+I shortcut to start the application.

Click the System tab on the left sidebar of the Settings window.

On the right side of the window, find and click the “Recover” option in the list.

Click the ‘Reset PC; button under the “Recovery Options” section.

There are two options in the “Reset this PC” window, whichever option will delete all system applications and roll back system settings to a new state. The “Keep My Files” option will keep your personal files, while the “Remove everything” option will delete everything.

Choose an option according to your needs.

Choose one between Cloud Download and Local Reinstall. In general, cloud downloads are more reliable than “local reinstalls” because local files may become corrupted or corrupted. However, the “cloud download” option requires an internet connection.

Next, the PC will reset the current settings. If you want to change the settings, click the “Change Settings” option.

The Select Settings window has three options to change settings:

Restore preinstalled apps? : This option also restores system settings to factory defaults.

Download Windows? : This option can be switched from “Cloud Download” to “Local Resin”.

After setting the other settings to your liking, click the Confirm button to continue.

Click the “Next” button.

Your computer may restart a few times, this is normal.

Conclusion

Now, you may know all the four methods to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error on Windows 11. Try them one by one to fix your problem as soon as possible.